This is why it’s
important to discipline the thought life then, and to guard our thoughts.I think there are only a few thoughts
we actually need to have and the rest we can do without.In no particular order, they are

1.Thoughts
of creativity.

2.Thoughts
of gratitude.

3.Thoughts
of worship or praise.

4.Thoughts
of love.

Creative thoughts
include but are not limited to the following:

·Uplifting humor or wit.

·Problem solving, whether it is personal, professional,
scientific or educational.

·Any creative endeavors, including art, writing or
dance.

·Working with children.

·Anything that strengthens a relationship.

·Counseling.

Thoughts of gratitude
are just that: being grateful for life, including setbacks, failures or
disappointments.Thoughts of
gratitude require one thing – awareness of all the good that is in one’s life
and has been good.It can also
include things that we haven’t thought to be grateful for, such as almost
everything.This includes the
everyday things such as health, reliable transportation and our possessions.

Thought of praise
and worship require focusing on God and all He has done, is doing and will
do.It is also recognizing Him for
who He is – a loving, patient and merciful God.These thoughts can be expressed through prayer or song.

Finally there are
thoughts of love, love for God, family, friends and the world.There is also love for those with whom
we work for or with.There is love
of nature and all that is good in the world.Love is closely related to gratitude.

I think if I focus
my thought life in any or all of these areas, I won’t have trouble staying
peaceful and joyful.Managing the
thought life is a discipline, as are all good things.It’s not an impossible one though.All I have to do is Get Started and Keep Going…and think
right.